NEWS

1.1 billion euros! Amazon is getting a high-priced government fine.

By Dyrus | December 30, 2021

The Italian competition authority AGCM (Autorità Garante della Concorrenza e del Mercato) ruled on December 9 that Amazon abused its e-commerce dominance by providing unfair sales and logistics preferential conditions to merchants using its own FBA e-commerce logistics service, harming The interests of other competing logistics companies in Italy violated EU regulations. In addition to fines, the authorities also implemented specific “behavioral measures” against the company’s commercial activities. Amazon said it would appeal this decision and the huge fine of 1.13 billion euros that followed.

AGCM stated that Amazon has provided exclusive sales and marketing offers to merchants who have registered for its FBA service in the Italian market. “Non-FBA sellers are subject to strict performance indicators, which may cause the accounts of non-compliant sellers to be suspended on Amazon.it. Third-party sellers using FBA are not monitored by the platform.”

In addition, AGCM also stated that the highly competitive online market has also been damaged by Amazon’s abuse of its dominant position. “Due to the cost of repetitive warehouses, sellers using FBA are not encouraged to offer their products on other online platforms.”

In terms of logistics, Amazon occupies a dominant position in the Italian logistics intermediary service market, which in itself is conducive to enabling sellers active on the Amazon.it platform to adopt their own Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) logistics services. In addition to allowing corresponding merchants to participate in high-profile sales activities, such as Prime Day, Black Friday and Cyber ​​Monday, and increasing the possibility of being displayed first, Amazon’s Prime “free” delivery service for merchants also further provides consumers with purchase incentives. The survey shows that these are essential for merchants to gain popularity on the Amazon.it platform, promote sales, and make successful quotations on the platform.

“These unfair sales and logistics preferential conditions have harmed competing e-commerce logistics operators and prevented them from showing online sellers the logistics services that they can provide as a service provider with the same quality as Amazon’s FBA. The gap between market power and e-commerce package delivery has further widened.” AGCM further explained.

In view of the scale of Amazon, the duration of the relevant conditions and the scale of the merchants involved, AGCM described Amazon’s situation as “particularly serious.” In order to immediately restore the competitive conditions in the relevant market, AGCM imposed very severe fines and implemented “behavioral measures”: In terms of sales, Amazon must grant sales to all third-party sellers who can comply with “fair and non-discriminatory standards” to fulfill orders Preferential; in terms of logistics, Amazon should define and publish such standards, and within one year from the date of the decision, the seller shall not negotiate with carriers and/or competing logistics operators other than FBA on the logistics of the seller’s order.

The AGCM’s ruling was made in the EU-level antitrust investigations under the European Commission’s ongoing “Whether Amazon’s use of merchant data violates EU rules” and “Whether the company provides preferential treatment to sellers using its Amazon logistics and delivery services” Made before the decision. These two FBA-related investigations were launched in November 2020, paying particular attention to whether the standards set by Amazon will result in preferential treatment for Amazon’s retail business or sellers who use FBA and delivery services.

According to international media reports, Amazon expressed “strongly opposed” this decision and will appeal. It described the fines as “unreasonable and disproportionate” and claimed that Italian SMEs have many options to sell products online and offline. The company emphasized that FBA is a “completely optional service” and pointed out that third-party sellers can use its seller-delivered Prime (SFP) service, which allows them to get Prime benefits without using FBA.

 
 

Weekly Shipping News - JiuFang Logistics (13th, Dec ~ 19th, Dec.)

By Riva | December 14, 2021
Ecommerce Air Freight Shipping

1. Ex China to USA By Sea:

  1. Sea-freight keep raising frequently,average  USD 1000 per week.
  2. Vessel cancel a lot,Shipping space limited and sailing date delays.
  3. LA/LB port is still on serious congestion,it may cost 10-20 days for the vessel being on berth.
  4. Container Excess Dwell Fee again would be held off another week, until Dec. 20

China to USA by air:

After the Peak Season to prepare the Christmas cargo passed by, the Air Freight reduced some than before.

Lead time: 7-12 working days. 

Ex China to EU:

  • The full deliver time from China to EU for ref:
  • BHX 4-12.5 days; LBA 4-16 days; CWL 1-14 days;  
  • Deliver by UPS: DTM 2-11 days；WRO 5-14.5 days; CDG 7-9 days                                        
  • Deliver by DHL: DTM 2-11.5 days；WRO 5-12 days; CDG 7-17 days                                      
  • Deliver by truck: WRO 5-11.7 days;        

Ex China to Canada:

  • What’s the Canadian logistics meeting: Serious Port congestion: Vancouver/Toronto
  • Pretty full Warehouses

The breakdown in Canadian Airport is still very slow due to the airport problem: lack of manpower and Covid-19 issues.

We’re doing our best to figure out the solution.

Airway rates to Canada are going up and shipping space is limited.

Please consult us case by case if you get any shipments.

Ex China to Australia by Sea:

  • Australia’s ongoing port congestion has left transport operators fuming over mounting container detention charges.

Ex China to Japan by Air:

  • There’re many flights have been canceled these weeks ex Qingdao,China to Japan.

International Courier:

  • There’re many Customs inspection cases by Shenzhen Customs this week.The lead time will be a bit delayed. The Courier rates may be increased in this week due to many flights canceled.
  • It will cost around 5-10 days ex China to USA, EU.

 
 

Weekly Shipping News - JiuFang Logistics (22nd, Nov ~ 29th, Nov)

By Lake | November 29, 2021
seafreight Logistics

1. Ex China to USA By Sea:

  • The shipping rates are skyrocketed this week. 
  • LA/LB port is still on serious congestion,it may cost 10-20 days for the vessel being on berth.
  • ZIM Line will omit all of the vessel ex Shenzhen, China to Los Angeles in December,2021.
  • The shipping space ex China to USA will be surely in tight, Please book the shipping space in advance.

*****The real transit time from China to USA these months as below:

Shenzhen, China to Los Angeles Seaport

Carrier Name:

Transit Time by sea
(Days)

Unloading time
(Days)

Pick-up time
(Days)

Unstuffing time
(Days)

Full Leading Time
(Days)

MATSON

10–17

1–10

0–6

0–2

11–35

ZIM

14–25

12–21

7

0–3

33–56

CMA

10–26

1–7

0–4

0–1

11–42

COSCO

21–32

1–2

8

0-5

35–53

EMC

13–22

1–2

0–4

0–2

14–30

OOCL

18–22

1

4

5

28–32

HMM

40

12–18

7

1

55–66

MSC

42

2–5

3–5

1

48–53

HPL

40

11

3–7

0–3

54–64

ONE

20-31

20

3–7

0–3

43–63

WHL

16

12–18

3–7

0–3

31–44

2. China to USA by air:

The airway rates ex China to USA is still going up, and the space is limited also.

Lead time: 7-12 working days. 

3. Ex China to EU:

Both the airway and seaway rates will be increased due to the peak season coming.

4. Ex China to Canada:

  • Serious Port congestion:  Vancouver/Toronto
  • Pretty full Warehouses

The breakdown in Canadian Airport is still very slow due to the airport problem: lack of manpower and Covid-19 issues.

We’re doing our best to figure out the solution. Airway rates to Canada are going up and shipping space is limited. Please consult us case by case if you get any shipments.

5. Ex China to Australia by Sea:

Australia’s ongoing port congestion has left transport operators fuming over mounting container detention charges.

6. Ex China to Japan by Air:

There’re many flights have been canceled these weeks ex Qingdao,China to Japan.

7. International Courier:

There’re many Customs inspection cases by Shenzhen Customs this week.The lead time will be a bit delayed. The Courier rates may be increased in this week due to many flights canceled.

It will cost around 5-10 days ex China to USA, EU.

 
 

What's Ocean Freight ?

By Lake | November 17, 2021

Ocean freight,also called Sea Freight,Seaway, is the method of transporting goods through the seaway.

It is an important part of cross-border trade that lets people move massive amounts of goods between countries.

The most common way for ocean freight is called Container Shipping,technically named containerization. With this option, Cargo are shipped using containers with standard sizes of 20GP,  40GP, 40HQ, 45HQ.

The below table provides measurements for the most commonly used shipping containers. 

Type Code

Container Type

Length (Internal)

Width (Internal)

Height (Internal)

Capacity (m3/CBM) （Based on real loading data)

20FT/20GP

20′ Standard Dry Container

5,896 mm

2,350 mm

2,393 mm

26~28 CBM

40FT/40GP

40’ Standard Dry Container

12,032 mm

2,350 mm

2,393 mm

56~58 CBM

40HQ

40’ High Cube Dry Container

12,032 mm

2,350 mm

2,698 mm

66~69 CBM

45HQ

45’ High Cube Dry Container

13,556 mm

2,350 mm

2,698 mm

78~82 CBM

There are two types of shipment in Ocean Freight –FCL & LCL.

The shipping company advises you on whether your shipment needs an LCL or FCL shipment. 

FCL (Full Container Load), is suitable for goods that are huge enough to be transported in one whole container. The goods fill the entire container. If you opt for FCL, you get a dedicated container to transport your goods.

LCL (Less Than Container Load) ,are best suited for goods that are not big/more enough to fill a whole container. So the goods are loaded and transported in a shared container with other people’s shipments. The forwarder/logistics company will provide these LCL seaway service.

JiuFang Logistics is expert in providing FCL and LCL shipping service.

 
 

Weekly Shipping News - JiuFang Logistics (16th, Nov ~ 21st, Nov.)

By Lake | November 16, 2021

1. Ex China To USA 

By Air

  1. About Rate & Space, Due to Air Flight reduced, now Air Freight increased a lot. The rate will be extended this week & space is still tight. If you have cargo ready, we suggest to arrange asap.
  2. About Amazon Warehouse, FedEx reject to deliver cargo to below Amazon warehouse. The delivery to the warehouses as below will be carried by UPS or Trucking: IND9, MDT2, SNA7, SBD2, TEB4, FTW1, SNA4, ONT8, Lax9, LGB8, CLT2, SBD3.

By Sea

  • The Los Angeles Harbor Commission voted to implement a “Container Excess Dwell Fee” directed at ocean carriers in an effort to improve cargo movement on container terminals amid record volume. The program starts on Nov. 1, with penalties to be assessed on Nov. 15. [Updated until Nov. 22.]
  • Under the 90-day policy, the Port of Los Angeles will charge ocean carriers for each import container that falls into one of two categories:  In the case of containers scheduled to move by truck, ocean carriers will be charged for every container dwelling nine days or more.  For containers moving by rail, ocean carriers will be charged if a container has welled for six days or more.
  • The Port will charge ocean carriers in these two categories $100 per container, increasing in $100 increments per container per day until the container leaves the terminal.

2. Ex China To Japan

  • Thanksgiving on 23rd Nov, will slightly affect the delivery time.

3. Ex China To Europe

  • UK destination port: The delivery delay is estimated to be 6~7 days.
  • New shipping service: China Europe train, ex Xian to EU, price more cheaper, 28-32 days deliver. 

4. Ex China to Canada

  • Vancouver unstuff time will be AC 3 days, CZ 7.8 days: JL 2 days, PR 21 days;  

5. Ex China to Australia 

  • At the end of the year, both domestic and foreign customs will increase the inspection degree, please do not conceal or omit the report.
  • Covid-19 in Melbourne will affect delivery. Melbourne TNT has not returned to normal. We don’t use TNT ANYMORE  WE USE ALLIED FOR LOCAL DELIVERY NOW the quote will rise 0.14-0.45 USD
 
 

How to ship mosquito repellent lamps

By Lemon | November 11, 2021

There are bunches of mosquito repellent lamps sold on Amazon. Do you know the requirements for the transportation of such products?

Required: According to U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations, to import mosquito repellent lamps to the United States, you (we) should do EPA certification.

EPA certification process:

  1. Apply to the EPA for the manufacturer code;
  2. Prepare product information and samples;
  3. Carry out product testing in the laboratory to prove that it meets the standards;
  4. The manufacturer cooperates with the provision of information, and we are responsible for preparing a complete certification application;
  5. Submit certification application and test data to EPA;
  6. EPA review materials (during the review process, EPA will determine whether additional information is required and whether verification testing is required based on the provided materials and test data);
  7. Pass the review and issue the certificate (EPA certificate is an annual certificate, and the certificate will expire on December 31 of the year when the certificate is generated or the specific model year. The specific expiration date shall be the earlier date of the two.)
 
 

Weekly Shipping News (2nd,Nov ~ 8th,Nov.)

By Lake | November 07, 2021

Ex China To USA 

By Air

  1. It is the peak season from October to November, the space is very tight & cost will be increased much.
  2. The Air Flight reduced this week due to CHINA INTERNATIONAL lMPORT EXPO.
  3. There will be some time adjustment of Winter schedule, which will affect the Air Space.

By Sea

Ocean freight to LA raised and lead time delays. Major reason as below:

  • Due to the empty containers has no place to return which has occupied the brackets and cause the shortage of container brackets .
  • The heavy containers has no brackets to pull out that stuck at the port which cause serious port congestion.
  • The trailer drivers are unwilling to take the job because of the reduced of income.

As above has caused a series of problems and extra cost,such brackets rental cost,container demurrage and detention etc.

a. Also The Los Angeles Harbor Commission voted to implement a “Container Excess Dwell Fee” directed at ocean carriers in an effort to improve cargo movement on container terminals amid record volume. The program starts on Nov. 1, with penalties to be assessed no earlier than Nov. 1.

b. The earliest Sailing time for standard service by EMC/Cosco is 11.09,average 4-6days at Last POD for Discharging .
ZIM average 14-18days at Last POD for Discharging .
MATSON might be slightly delays depends on different service,CCX could be the most stable.

Pls email us for the certain quote.

Ex China To Japan

  1. Japan has a holiday (cultural festival) on Wednesday, which will affect the speed of customs clearance and back-end delivery.

Ex China To Europe

1. UK destination port: The delivery delay is estimated to be 6~7 days,this situation is expected to last for 1 month. Reasons:   

  • The lack of tracks    
  • The high daily salary of the drivers, and the congestion of the cargo stations.

The reasons for the lack of UK drivers: 

  • retirement and lack of training during the Covid-19,   
  • EU drivers Leave UK after Brexit and changes in tax regulations.

2. The air price still increased a lot this week.

Ex China to Canada

  • Vancouver unstuff time will be AC 3.17days, CZ 5.57days; JL 2 days, PR 11.5days;  
  • Air freight prices will rise (0.5-1 USD).

Ex China to Australia 

  • Covid-19 in Melbourne will affect delivery.Melbourne TNT has not returned to normal.
 
 

How to ship the candle into USA

By Kyrie | November 05, 2021

Candles are a very popular product that can be used everywhere, at home or at parties.
It’s one of fast-selling goods in Amazon and TikTok, do you know how to import the goods into the USA?
Please check the details from the goods I handled as below: 

  • Commodity name: Candle
  • HS code: 3406000090

Because candles are flammable products, there are many requirements during transportation.

By Sea, you need the MSDS and China Maritime Transportation appraisal report.

By Air, For HONGKONG you need the MSDS, For China you need the China Air Transport appraisal report.

Any other info about Candle shipments required,please contact with Jiufang Logistics, as the professional E-commerce Logistics Forwarder and Amazon FBA Prep logistics company, will provide you the professional suggestions and solutions.

 

 
 

All You Needs To Know About "CE"​

By Angel | November 01, 2021

More and more E-shop sellers are focusing on European markets, and selling their goods in Europe, and the most common certificates are asked by the E-commerce logistics forwarders is CE certificate.

Do you know what’s the “CE” ?

The letters ‘CE’ appear on many products traded on the extended Single Market in the European Economic Area (EEA). They signify that products sold in the EEA have been assessed to meet high safety, health, and environmental protection requirements. 

When you buy a new phone, a teddy bear, or a TV within the EEA, you can find the CE mark on them. CE marking also supports fair competition by holding all companies accountable to the same rules.

By affixing the CE marking to a product, a manufacturer declares that the product meets all the legal requirements for CE marking and can be sold throughout the EEA. This also applies to products made in other countries that are sold in the EEA.

There are two main benefits CE marking brings to businesses and consumers within the EEA:

  • Businesses know that products bearing the CE marking can be traded in the EEA without restrictions.
  • Consumers enjoy the same level of health, safety, and environmental protection throughout the entire EEA.
  • CE marking is a part of the EU’s harmonization legislation, which is mainly managed by Directorate-General for Internal market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs. The CE marking for Restriction of Hazardous Substances is managed by Directorate-General for Environment. Comprehensive guidance on the implementation of EU product rules can be found in the so-called Blue Guide.
  • This website provides information for manufacturers, importers and distributors on their responsibilities when placing a product on the EEA market.  It also informs consumers about the rights and benefits that CE marking brings them.
  • If you’re looking for information on CE marking in your country, contact the Enterprise Europe Network or check the list of contact points in the EEA.
What product needs CE mark？
 
  • Active implantable medical devices
  • Appliances burning gaseous fuels
  • Cable way installations designed to carry persons
  • Construction products
  • Ecodesign of energy related products
  • Electromagnetic compatibility
  • Equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres
  • Explosives for civil uses
  • Hot-water boilers
  • In vitro diagnostic medical devices
  • Lifts
  • Low voltage
  • Machinery
  • Measuring Instruments
  • Medical devices
  • Noise emission in the environment
  • Non-automatic weighing instruments
  • Personal protective equipment
  • Pressure equipment
  • Pyrotechnics
  • Radio equipment
  • Recreational craft
  • Restriction of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment
  • Safety of toys
  • Simple pressure vessels
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Not all products must have CE marking. It is compulsory only for most of the products covered by the New Approach Directives. It is forbidden to affix CE marking to other products.
Please note that a CE marking does not indicate that a product have been approved as safe by the EU or by another authority. It does not indicate the origin of a product either.
 
Manufacturers
Manufacturers play a crucial role in ensuring that products placed on the extended single market of the European Economic Area (EEA) are safe. They are responsible for checking that their products meet EU safety, health, and environmental protection requirements. It is the manufacturer’s responsibility to carry out the conformity assessment, set up the technical file, issue the EU declaration of conformity, and affix the CE marking to a product. Only then can this product be traded on the EEA market.
If you are a manufacturer, you have to follow these 6 steps to affix a CE marking to your product:
  • Identify the applicable directive(s) and harmonized standards
  • Verify product specific requirements
  • Identify whether an independent conformity assessment (by a notified body) is necessary
  • Test the product and check its conformity
  • Draw up and keep available the required technical documentation
  • Affix the CE marking and draw up the EU Declaration of Conformity (27 KB).
These 6 steps may differ by product as the conformity assessment procedure varies. Manufacturers must not affix CE marking to products that don’t fall under the scope of one of the directives providing for its affixing.
For products that present higher safety risks such as gas boilers, safety cannot be checked by the manufacturer alone. In these cases, an independent organisation, specifically a notified body appointed by national authorities, has to perform the safety check. The manufacturer may affix the CE marking to the product only once this has been done.
 
Any other info about CE marking, please contact with Jiufang Logistics, as the professional E-commerce Logistics Forwarder and Amazon FBA Prep logistics company, will provide you the professional suggestions and solutions. 

 

 
 

How to ship internal Lithium Battery goods (lower than 100WH)

By Riva | October 28, 2021

There’re many Batteries contained shipments selling in Amazon or Walmart, do you ever know the shipping requirements for batteries shipments?                                                                        

For the goods contained Lithium Batteries(lower than 100WH), Please send us two documents as below(you can get it from your suppliers): 

We need to send it to the Shipping Line to check, normally 3-4 working days to get reverts.

1. MSDS Mentioned point:

  • Available expiry, it needs to update every year.
  • Detected by Qualified Institution.

2. Certificate for safe transport of chemical goods (in Chinese) Mentioned points:

  • It is needed for shipments export from China.
  • Available expiry.
  • If ship by Sea, it should have words showed “by Sea” in the report.
  • This report is in Chinese.
Any other requirements, please contact with us, Jiufang Logistics, as the professional E-commerce Logistics Forwarder and Amazon FBA Prep logistics company, will provide you the professional suggestions and solutions.
 
 

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